Kathmandu— Argentina has stated that it will not retaliate against Brazil following the latter’s decision to downgrade diplomatic relations. The move came in response to recent verbal attacks by Argentine President Javier Milei against Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, including calling him a “thief,” “corrupt,” and an “ex-convict.” Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno announced on Wednesday that Buenos Aires would not respond with diplomatic measures after Brazil decided to handle relations through a charge d’affaires instead of a full ambassador.

Background of Tensions

The dispute between Argentina and Brazil has escalated due to Milei’s repeated attacks on Lula. In a recent television interview, Milei referred to Lula as “a thief,” “corrupt,” and an “ex-convict.” Although Lula was previously convicted in the Operation Car Wash corruption investigation, his conviction was overturned on procedural grounds, allowing him to return to the presidency in 2023. The current tensions are unfolding less than two months before Brazil’s presidential election, where Lula is seeking a fourth term against Flavio Bolsonaro.

Lula's Response

President Lula has used the growing tensions to position himself as the defender of Brazilian sovereignty. In an interview on Wednesday, he stated that Brazil “cannot accept interference” and will confront anyone seeking to interfere in its electoral process. He also defended his government’s decision to downgrade ties with Argentina, emphasizing that Brazil expects to be treated with respect.

Broader Diplomatic Context

The spat between Argentina and Brazil is part of a broader diplomatic context for Brazil. The country is also involved in a separate dispute with the United States over visa issues. Washington revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador after Brasilia declined to approve the appointment of Daniel Perez, a prominent Florida Republican, as the US ambassador to Brazil. Lula criticized this move, saying that the U.S. had taken too long to appoint someone and accused them of trying to interfere in Brazil's electoral process.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.